Heathen Chronicles - Changed

Chapter 21 - The Serum of Shadows

Raven's POV

Training with Sebastian wasn't as grueling as before; all I had to do was stay focused. It reached a point where I actually started to enjoy it—at least when I looked past the moments he annoyed the living hell out of me or when the aches from our duel flared up.

I went for check-ups the rest of the week, and my final one was scheduled for tomorrow, Friday. I'd grown to enjoy the Doctor's company once I adjusted to his quirkiness. I noticed he only stuttered when he was nervous, and I was glad he wasn't intimidated by me anymore. I also learned several soldiers' names; I was genuinely curious, and I'd turned it into a game where I guessed their names based on their appearance. I was right occasionally, but I still had a long way to go.

By sheer luck, I discovered that most of the scientists here weren't the typical doctors you'd find at a military camp, which made me wonder what they were actually doing. As I walked around, I watched the facility operate; it had an oddly calming, rhythmic flow.

I eventually strolled into my new room, where a guard always stood stoically by the door. My quarters had been moved to the far side of the base for some reason, and I wasn't allowed near the soldiers who weren't "fully trained"—whatever that meant. I enjoyed the walk, even if I got distracted along the way. I just missed having someone normal to talk to.

That night, I dreamt of my friends.

***

I saw them in the distance and started running. I'd never felt so happy. My heart raced and tears rolled down my cheeks. I missed them dearly and couldn't wait to embrace them. Suddenly, I slowed down; something was wrong.

The world shifted. Two paths stood before me, both dark and gloomy. I looked down the left path, lined with dim lamps; at the end stood a mannequin, deathly white with black hair and eyes stapled shut. As I stepped closer, its eyes were forced open, tearing the lids to reveal blood-red orbs that followed my every move.

I looked down the right path to see a scarecrow made of dark straw and tattered clothes. It was looking down at something, avoiding my gaze... strange.

"Raven!..."

I turned. My friends were standing on the opposite side of the pathways, waving at me. Was I turned around? I ran toward them, away from the two paths. But as I got closer, they transformed into the creatures I had just seen: a crowd of scarecrows and mannequins staring at me. I stopped, terrified, only to find the darkness of my nightmare swallowing me whole.

No!

***

I woke up groggy, unsure of what had happened. I only remembered the two creatures and the haunting presence of my friends. Were they in trouble, or was this just the pain I felt I deserved?

I stretched and changed into my new uniform. Looking out, I saw the guard was gone and felt a spark of excitement at the idea of heading to the gym alone. Just as I locked the door, Sebastian stepped out, blocking my way.

"SHIT!" I jumped, clutching my chest.

"Where are you going?" he asked, looming over me. He was a head or two taller than me, and it annoyed me to my core that I had to physically look up at him. The fact that he was standing so damn close didn't help.

"I'm going to the gym for a swim, asshole."

"No, you're not."

"Yes, I am."

"Nope. Not at all."

"Fine, so where am I going then?" I already knew I wouldn't like the answer.

"You're going to Dr. Roushkav for your check-up."